Organic and Conventional Farming

Questions 1 to 7 are based on the passage and charts below.

Conventional vs. Organic Farming

The word "organic" refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, grains,
dairy products and meat. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce
pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilise, control weeds or
prevent livestock diseases. For example, rather than using chemical weed-killers, organic farmers conduct
sophisticated crop rotations and spread mulch or manure to keep weeds at bay.

Here are other differences between conventional farming and organic farming:

Conventional farmers Organic farmers

Apply chemical fertilisers to promote plant growth.
Spray insecticides to reduce pests and diseases.
Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds.
Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and
medications to prevent diseases and spur growth.
Apply natural fertilisers, such as manure or compost, to
feed soil and plants.
Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps
to reduce pests and diseases.
Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds.
Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the
outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational
grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help
minimise diseases.

Buying tips

Whether you're already a fan of organic foods or you just want to shop wisely and handle your food safely, consider
these tips:

 Buy fruits and vegetables in season to ensure the highest quality. Also, try to buy your produce the day it's
delivered to market to ensure that you're buying the freshest food possible. Ask your grocer what day new
produce arrives.
 Read food labels carefully. Just because a product says it's organic or contains organic ingredients doesn't
necessarily mean it's a healthier alternative. Some organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or
calories.
 Don't confuse natural foods with organic foods. Only those products with the "USDA Organic" label have
met USDA standards.
 Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with running water to reduce the amount of dirt and
bacteria. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush — for example, before eating apples, potatoes, cucumbers or
other produce in which you eat the outer skin.
 If you're concerned about pesticides, peel your fruits and vegetables and trim outer leaves of leafy
vegetables in addition to washing them thoroughly. Keep in mind that peeling your fruits and vegetables
may also reduce the amount of nutrients and fibre. Some pesticide residue also collects in fat, so remove fat
from meat and the skin from poultry and fish.

AKRAM MUET Page 1

 Organic and Conventional Farming

1 Organic farming uses pesticides as weed-killers

A True
B False
C Not stated
2 Conventional farming causes pollution.
A True
B False
C Not stated
3 Fruits are used as rotational crops in organic farming.
A True
B False
C Not stated
4 Balanced diet and clean housing help organic farming reduce animal diseases.
A True
B False
C Not stated

5 There is no question of freshness because organic foods last longer than conventional foods.
A True
B False
C Not stated
6 All organic foods meet USDA standards and are suitable for consumption.
A True
B False
C Not stated

7 Peeled fruits and vegetables may lose their nutrients and fibre.
A True
B False
C Not stated

AKRAM MUET Page 2

 Organic and Conventional Farming

Answer Key
Conventional Farming

Conventional
Farming
1 B
2 C
3 C
4 A
5 C
6 C
7 A

AKRAM MUET Page 3